Voight was lying in bed, attempting to sleep. As he shifted to his side in search of comfort, he was suddenly jolted awake by the sound of his phone ringing. Grasping for his phone, he discovered a message from an unfamiliar caller along with an attached video.
In a more upright position, Voight proceeded to open the message and clicked on the video. The sight that unfolded before his eyes widened them in alarm, prompting him to swiftly leave his bed. However, he resisted the urge to watch the video immediately, particularly since the unknown individual had indicated that it was meant for both him and Jay to view.
Without delay, Voight promptly dialed Jay's number, which was answered after just one ring. 'Hello?' Jay responded wearily. 'Jay, I require your presence at headquarters. I have received something from an unidentified person, and it includes a video of Erin,' Voight explained.
'I will arrive there in less than ten minutes,' Jay replied before promptly ending the call. Before Voight could utter another word, he sent a text message to Antonio, informing him to gather the others at headquarters. Glancing at the time, he noted that it was now one o'clock in the morning.
Efficiently donning a pair of jeans and a shirt, Voight promptly exited his room and proceeded to Justin's room to ascertain whether he was awake, mindful of his promise to let his son assist with the search.
Upon arriving at Justin's room, Voight gently knocked on the door, prompting Justin to open it quietly. "What is it, father?" he murmured, still drowsy, as he didn't wish to wake Oliver and Danny, who were soundly asleep.
"We received a communication from an unidentified caller, and I obtained a video of Erin," Voight whispered, causing his son to awaken completely. "Allow me to dress, it will only take me a few moments."
Voight nodded as he descended the stairs to retrieve his keys and jacket, slipping it on. He observed Justin descending the stairs as well. "Are you prepared?" he inquired, to which Voight responded with a nod. "Let us proceed," he stated, leading the way out of the residence and towards the truck.
It took both Voight and Justin approximately five minutes to reach the distraction at twenty one, thanks to the blaring sirens. They quickly entered the premises and proceeded to the bullpen, where they found Jay and the others already present, visibly anxious.
Jay, pacing in the bullpen, inquired about the nature of the video. Meanwhile, Voight approached Erin's computer, which was still switched on, and connected his phone to obtain a clearer view of the recording.
Voight expressed uncertainty about the content of the video, sensing that it might not be favorable. Antonio, Jay, Justin, and the rest of the individuals, including Platt, Burgess, Nadia, Roman, and Mouse, huddled around the desk.
Voight glanced at Jay, observing his readiness to watch the video, and received a nervous nod from the young man. With a reassuring pat on Jay's shoulder, Voight proceeded to press the play button. As the recording unfolded, everyone in the room involuntarily held their breaths, captivated by what they were witnessing - Charlie's entrance in the frame, wearing a smirk on his face.
'Hey, Sergeant Voight and Detective Halstead, this girl of yours will repay everything she has taken from me and the debt she owes for my generosity.' He continued speaking, 'You see, Erin has been quite misbehaved,' accompanied by a smirk.
Voight and Jay observed with astonishment as Charlie stepped aside, unveiling Erin. Their eyes widened at the sight. Voight could discern an audible growl from Justin as he watched the video.
"Do you observe, Voight? It would be wise to instill proper manners in her and discourage her from inflicting harm on others," Charlie remarked disapprovingly as he retrieved a gun from the tray. "Now, you must face the consequences for your misconduct," he whispered.
Charlie gazed at Erin, whose eyes reflected fear as she watched him pick up the gun, only to set it down again. "I believe it is not yet appropriate to employ this," he stated before returning to the brunette, retrieving a belt situated next to the firearm.
Jay winced as he observed Charlie repeatedly striking Erin with a belt. Jay closed his eyes, unable to bear witnessing Erin being slapped multiple times with the belt. 'Please stop,' Jay pleaded, and Voight promptly paused the video, as he also couldn't bear to watch any longer.
The team collectively took a deep breath, and Jay could hear Burgess and Nadia let out a brief whimper. 'What should we do now?' Nadia inquired, looking to Jay and the others for guidance.
'We will continue our search,' Voight declared confidently, as he handed his phone to Mouse. 'Mouse, see if you can trace this number.' Mouse nodded, accepting the task, and made his way down to the basement.
"We must hurry," Justin expressed urgently, noting the fear in Erin's eyes for the first time in a long while, a sight that deeply saddened him. "We shall," responded Voight, shutting down the computer.
"When?" inquired Justin, locking eyes with his father. "Until Charlie kills Erin? We must act swiftly," he demanded, his fists clenching.
"Justin, I understand your emotions; we all desire to retrieve Erin promptly. However, we must first ascertain her whereabouts," Voight reasoned with his son, attempting to maintain composure for Erin's sake and that of the entire team.
Just as Jay was about to interject, Antonio's phone began to ring, capturing everyone's attention.
Antonio picked up the call cautiously. "I am unsure of this number, but it could be Erin," he stated, placing the call on speaker and signaling for everyone to remain silent.
"This is Dawson speaking," Antonio acknowledged, waiting for the person on the other end to speak. "Is this Antonio?" a woman's voice inquired, a voice Antonio recognized from an earlier encounter.
Marie assumed a seated position on the bathroom toilet, her expectation being that Antonio would pick up her phone. Her silent exhalation of relief followed upon hearing his voice. Antonio, identifying himself as Dawson, posed the query, 'How may I be of assistance?' Marie's heartbeat quickened with joy, elated to have dialed the correct number.
'May I confirm that I have reached Antonio?' Marie inquired cautiously, wanting to validate the caller's identity. Not wishing to mistake an imposter for the intended recipient, she sought clarification. 'Indeed, it is Antonio. And you?' Antonio responded, prompting Marie to take a deep breath prior to speaking.
'Earlier this evening, I was present at the designated location,' Marie commenced, ensuring her words were uttered discreetly. 'My name is Marie.' Knowing that her time on the call would be limited, she hastened to relay the whereabouts of Erin. She whispered this information to Antonio.
Marie discerned a sigh escape Antonio's lips. 'What is the postal address?' he inquired. She could vividly hear the sound of a pen being picked up and a notepad being placed on a desk on the other end of the line. Marie diligently provided him with the required information.
Marie relayed the instructions in a composed manner. 'Please be prompt in locating a green barn, as their intention is to transport us out of Chicago,' she stated with a sense of urgency.
'Will this information be of assistance?' she inquired, hopeful that it would facilitate their escape from their current predicament.
'Indeed, it will be immensely beneficial. Thank you. We shall arrive shortly, but in the meantime, it is imperative that you maintain a low-profile,' Antonio responded. Marie took a deep breath, detecting movement beyond the bathroom door.
'How is Erin?' Antonio swiftly inquired, realizing that this matter needed to be addressed before their conversation concluded. 'She is not in a favorable state. I fear for what Charlie may do to her,' Marie answered, hastily expressing her concerns.
'I understand. I must bid farewell now.' She whispered softly, promptly ending the call. In an attempt to maintain appearances, Marie pretended to use the restroom by flushing the toilet.
Rising from the toilet, she opened the door to find Joey waiting outside the bathroom with his arms crossed. His expression suggested curiosity as he questioned her, 'And what is the reason for your wakefulness?'
Marie inhaled deeply, attempting to maintain composure as she responded, 'I simply needed to use the restroom, sir. Now, if you'll excuse me, I intend to return to bed.' Without waiting for a response, she passed by him. Initially, it appeared that Joey would permit her departure. However, he suddenly grasped her arm.
'Additionally, whom were you conversing with on the telephone?' Joey's words caused Marie to flinch. 'I overheard you engaged in conversation. Pray, tell me, who was the individual?' he demanded, tightening his grip.
Marie, hopeful that he would believe her fabricated story, swiftly replied, 'It was my brother, sir.' She had taken care to save Antonio's number under her brother's name.
Joey glanced at her phone, verifying the veracity of her statement. Nodding in acknowledgment, he forcefully pushed Marie aside. 'You had best speak the truth, for any falsehood will result in punishment. Furthermore, you will only compound matters for Miss Lindsey.'
Marie acknowledged silently as she returned to the bed, patiently awaiting Joey's departure to the bathroom. As soon as he left the bedroom, she planned to discreetly sneak out and swiftly make her way to the basement. Her intention was to assist Erin and seek refuge in the nearby woods until the arrival of Antonio and the remaining members of the intelligence team.
Subsequently, Marie successfully reached the basement undetected by Charlie. With caution, she cautiously descended the stairs, utilizing one of her hairpins as an improvised lockpick to free herself from the handcuffs.